According to the Gandhian view of Development, which of the following is the focal point of economic development?

The Correct answer is Village.

Key Points

• The Gandhian view of development emphasizes the importance of the village as the focal point of economic and social progress.
• Gandhi believed that the village economy is the backbone of Indian society and that empowering villages is essential for achieving sustainable development.
• He advocated for the idea of Gram Swaraj, which means self-sufficient and self-reliant villages.
• According to Gandhi, development should focus on decentralization, where villages operate as independent units managing their resources, economy, and governance.
• He stressed the importance of local industries such as agriculture, handicrafts, and cottage industries to promote employment and reduce dependency on urban centers.
• Gandhi's vision also included the principles of sustainability, equity, and harmony in village life.
• Gandhi believed in limiting industrialization and urbanization, as excessive focus on them could harm the traditional rural structure and environment.
• Village development, according to Gandhi, aligns with the idea of promoting a self-reliant economy, ensuring that basic needs are met locally.

 Additional Information

• Family
  • The concept of development centered around the family emphasizes the importance of familial support and well-being in growth.
  • While families are significant social units, Gandhi believed the focus should be broader, encompassing the entire village community.
• Individual
  • Though Gandhi emphasized individual moral and ethical development, he believed that individual growth should contribute to collective societal progress.
  • His philosophy of "Sarvodaya" stressed development for all, rather than focusing solely on individual growth.
• Government
  • While governments play a crucial role in enabling development, Gandhi advocated for decentralized governance, where villages manage their own affairs.
  • He viewed centralized government systems as potentially oppressive and not conducive to grassroots-level empowerment.